STFC Safety, Health and Environment SHE Codes

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STFC Safety, Health and Environment (SHE) Codes

• SHE communication is an area the STFC needs to
  improve and a simple demonstration of effective
  safety management e-mails alone are not
  enough.
• This package is one of a series of STFC SHE Code
  updates, revisions and launches.
• This simple presentation should be used by STFC
  Managers at all levels to cascade the key
  messages to all staff and contractors during your
  routine communication meetings.

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Simplified format for SHE Codes

• To aid their communication and understanding -
  simple language and clear responsibilities
• Purpose why the code exists
• Scope where it does and does not apply
• Definitions of key terms
• Responsibilities set out by role read the
  part applicable to you, simple languageAppendice
  s - specific to the code but include standard
  appendices for the training relevant to the code,
  and an audit checklist

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Safety, Health and Environment (SHE) Group
Introduction to STFC SHE Code 18 Control of
Noise at Work
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Why a Noise SHE Code?

• Hearing loss caused by exposure to noise at work
  continues to be a significant occupational health
  hazard.
• Some 170,000 people in the UK suffer deafness,
  tinnitus (permanent ringing in the ears) or other
  ear/hearing conditions as a result of exposure to
  excessive noise at work.
• This code meets the provisions of the Control of
  Noise at Work Regulations 2005

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Application of the code

• This code applies to all STFC employees and
  tenants, and activities carried out on STFC
  sites, or off site if carried out in the course
  of STFC employment.
• Contract Supervising Officers are responsible for
  ensuring, as appropriate, that contractor
  management undertake and record their own noise
  risk assessments, and implement suitable noise
  control measures.
• Reflecting legislation the code defines Lower and
  Upper Action Values, at 80dB(A) and 85dB(A)
  respectively, for which noise assessments must be
  undertaken.

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Key features

• Sets out responsibilities for managers to
• avoid where practicable, staff undertaking work
  in noisy environments
• where this is not possible ensure that a risk
  assessment based upon the findings of a noise
  assessment is undertaken
• ensure that hearing protection controls are
  implemented and personal protective equipment
  (PPE) employed in noisy areas and
• ensure all staff working in noisy environments
  undertake regular hearing assessments.
• Establishes through SHE Group a register of noisy
  areas and a Competent Noise assessor.

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Key points

• Read the part of the Code relevant to you.
• Do you work in, or are you responsible for, noisy
  areas?Typically a noisy area would require
  people to raise their voices when holding a
  normal conversation when about 2 metres apart -
  are they marked? have they been assessed?
• If you work in areas that require hearing
  protection are you undertaking regular hearing
  test through Occupational Health?
• If you suspect a location may be noisy contact
  your local SHE team for a noise assessment to be
  undertaken.

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SHE Training

• A standard Appendix to each SHE code lists
  necessary training - competence in safety is
  important
• Training Appendices should be used by managers
  and staff when considering new hazards or in
  general as part of Annual Performance Reviews
  (APRs).- see SHE Code 10 Provision of SHE
  training
• As each code is launched relevant training will
  be set up for staff.
• To book this training contact your local SHE
  training contacts
• - RAL 8288 - UKATC 8325
• - DL 3600 - Swindon 2061

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Further questions

• SHE Group
• Graeme Finlan, DL, 3147, RAL, 6249
• Mark Roberts, DL, 3283
• Matt Dickson, RAL, 5329
• or Departmental Safety Contact
• If you have questions on the content or the
  format of the presentation.

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DepartmentalSafety Contacts
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What did you say ? Do you work in a noisy
environment? Are you responsible for areas where
noise hazards exist ?
STFCControl of Noiseat WorkSafety Code
See Whats new at the SHE website